Diane Keaton died on October 11, 2025, at age 79 in California, leaving behind a body of work and a series of candid reflections on mortality that now carry new weight. Known for her honesty and refusal to conform, Keaton spoke openly about death throughout her later years.
A quote documented on her IMDb page reveals she thought about dying every single day, a confession that raises questions about whether her preoccupation was rooted in philosophy, anxiety, or something deeper. She said,
I think about dying every single day. I’ve lost lots of friends, and they die in the most bizarre ways. It’s like, ‘That can’t possibly be! How could that have happened?’ And all I can think is, ‘That could have been me,’
These reflections came from watching her father die at 68 and her mother experience cognitive decline in her early 70s. She also told AARP, “I want to be there for them. I want my body and mind to stay strong, and to share all these life lessons
Diane Keaton’s Battle With Bulimia And Years of Therapy
Keaton’s thoughts on death appeared to come from reflection rather than despair, yet she had long confronted mental health struggles. In her 20s, she developed bulimia after being told to lose 10 pounds for the Broadway show Hair. She later admitted on The Dr. Oz Show that she consumed as many as 20,000 calories daily before purging, detailing immense guilt and secrecy around the disorder (via E! News).
Keaton attended therapy five days a week and initially lied to her therapist before finally confessing, saying, “I throw up and I’ll tell you something else. I’m never stopping, so don’t ask me any questions.” Over time, she recovered and described herself as “an addict in recovery” who replaced compulsion with structure and work.
Diane Keaton’s Final Months
People who knew Keaton say her health declined quickly in 2025. Songwriter Carole Bayer Sager recalled seeing her only weeks before her death and noticing apparent weight loss. In March, Keaton listed her home for sale and reduced her public appearances, which raised quite a concern among friends.
Despite the changes, she never disclosed any serious illness. Colleagues said she valued privacy more than sympathy. Her final film, Summer Camp, released in 2024, recaptured her familiar blend of humor and introspection. Those close to her described a woman who remained active and thoughtful but increasingly reserved in recent months.
Keaton’s preoccupation with death extended into her creative work. She wrote, directed, and promoted projects exploring memory and faith, including her 2021 documentary Heaven, where she interviewed people about the afterlife.
In a 2020 interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, she said growing older made her more alert to mortality rather than more accepting of it. Director Nancy Meyers, who collaborated with her on several films, said Keaton never seemed despondent, calling her “magical” and “hilarious.”
What are your thoughts on Diane Keaton’s reflections on mortality? Share your memories of her most memorable performances in the comments below.
